The Trump administration has started laying off federal workers during the government shutdown, with plans to cut around 4,000 jobs. These layoffs affect several departments, including Treasury and Health and Human Services, and two unions are attempting to stop further job losses.
Key Facts
The Trump administration has begun laying off federal workers during the current government shutdown.
Around 4,000 federal workers could lose their jobs according to the Wall Street Journal.
The biggest job cuts are expected in the Treasury Department and Health and Human Services.
Government worker unions are taking legal action against these layoffs.
Typically, federal employees are furloughed during shutdowns, not permanently laid off.
President Trump discussed potential layoffs with Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget.
Concerns have been raised that job cuts might target employees based on political affiliation.
The Trump administration received a partial victory in court related to federalizing National Guard troops in Illinois. A U.S. appeals court allowed the National Guard to be federalized but not actively deployed across the state. This legal decision is part of a broader debate on federal power and state authority regarding the use of military force in civil matters.
Key Facts
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals partially granted the Trump administration's request to federalize the National Guard in Illinois but blocked their active deployment.
The case involves "Operation Midway Blitz," an immigration enforcement initiative challenged by Illinois and Chicago as unconstitutional.
President Trump authorized the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard troops and 200 Texas National Guard troops.
Legal challenges argue the deployment violates state sovereignty and is not justified by current conditions.
U.S. District Judge April Perry issued a temporary restraining order stopping operations in Illinois through October 23.
The ruling maintains that troops cannot engage in law enforcement or duties related to the original federal mission while the deployment is blocked.
A similar situation occurred in Oregon, where a judge blocked National Guard deployment in Portland.
Concerns have been raised about potential escalation of conflict and the use of federal forces in states with opposing political leadership.
This article discusses whether President Trump could use the U.S. military against American citizens. It highlights concerns from a national security expert about President Trump's control over intelligence and justice systems, and his testing of military independence.
Key Facts
The article focuses on President Trump's potential use of the U.S. military against Americans.
National security expert Tom Nichols raises concerns about this possibility.
Nichols believes President Trump has significant control over U.S. intelligence and justice systems.
There is a discussion about the military's independence under President Trump.
The article was published by NPR and includes an audio segment for more details.
President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to use existing funds to pay active military members during a government shutdown. He made the announcement on social media, stating that funds have been identified to ensure troops receive their paychecks on October 15th.
Key Facts
President Trump instructed the Pentagon to use available money to pay the military during the government shutdown.
The decision was announced on Truth Social, a platform where President Trump often shares updates.
Active-duty military personnel were at risk of not receiving paychecks on October 15th due to the shutdown.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth supported the decision, reposting the information on X.
A White House official mentioned that research and development funds, available for two years, will be used for this purpose.
President Trump reassured service members at a recent Navy event that they would still be paid.
In a race for California governor, candidate Ethan Agarwal criticized Katie Porter for her behavior in viral videos, suggesting she has "anger control issues." Agarwal, while discussing the political scene, also praised Governor Gavin Newsom's approach in balancing against President Trump.
Key Facts
Ethan Agarwal is running for California governor and has criticized rival Katie Porter for recent incidents shown in viral videos.
The videos in question show Porter in confrontations, leading Agarwal to discuss issues related to her temperament.
California is a significant U.S. state with a large population and economy, making its governance highly visible.
Governor Gavin Newsom, currently term-limited, has gained attention for his conflicts with President Trump.
Agarwal described himself as a "pro-capitalism" Democrat and outlined policies on housing, crime, and energy.
A recent Emerson College poll showed Porter leading among surveyed candidates, though it didn’t include Agarwal.
Agarwal warned that Porter could lose good staff due to her behavior, as viewed in the viral clips.
Porter stated she holds herself and her staff to high standards but aims to show more gratitude for their work.
President Donald Trump has instructed the Defense Department to use all available funds to pay U.S. troops despite a government shutdown. This decision ensures that military personnel receive their pay, but does not help furloughed federal workers. The government shutdown has lasted 11 days and continues.
Key Facts
President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to use available money to pay U.S. troops during the shutdown.
The payment directive applies only to military personnel, not to other federal workers.
The government shutdown is currently in its 11th day.
Many federal workers are furloughed and some are being laid off.
President Trump used his authority as commander in chief to direct this action.
The shutdown began on October 1st, coinciding with the start of the federal budget cycle.
There are about 1.3 million active-duty U.S. service members.
Troops were at risk of not receiving their paychecks on October 15th without this intervention.
President Trump had a routine yearly checkup, and his doctors say he is in excellent health. He is 79 years old and maintains a busy schedule despite some health concerns being previously discussed.
Key Facts
President Trump's yearly checkup shows he is in "exceptional health."
He was previously diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which causes mild leg swelling.
His cardiac health is reportedly 14 years younger than his actual age.
There was no new information revealed beyond what was shared in April.
Concerns about bruising on his hand were not addressed; the White House attributes it to frequent handshaking.
He received vaccinations for flu and COVID-19, preparing for international travel.
Trump remains the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency.
He explained the second physical as a precaution during an appearance in the Oval Office.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden is receiving radiation therapy and hormone treatment for prostate cancer. The cancer has spread to his bones and is considered aggressive, but it is hormone-sensitive, which can be managed effectively.
Key Facts
Joe Biden, 82, is undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
He is also receiving hormone treatment.
The radiation treatment is expected to last five weeks.
His cancer is aggressive and has spread to his bones.
Biden's cancer has a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-grade form that can spread fast.
The cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris ran for president after Biden and lost to President Donald Trump.
President Trump announced that funds have been found to pay military members on October 15, despite a government shutdown. He stated he directed the Secretary of War to use these funds, criticizing Democrats for the shutdown.
Key Facts
President Trump said military members will be paid on October 15.
He used his authority as Commander in Chief for this decision.
Trump directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to allocate the necessary funds.
The announcement was made on Truth Social.
The U.S. government shutdown has lasted for eleven days.
Trump criticized Democrats for the shutdown, describing it as a danger to national security.
The comment followed news about federal worker layoffs due to the shutdown.
A mass shooting in Leland, Mississippi, left four people dead and 12 others injured. The incident occurred after a high school football game, and no suspects have been arrested.
Key Facts
Four people were killed in the shooting.
Twelve others were injured, with four in critical condition.
The shooting happened around midnight in Leland, Mississippi.
Leland is located 120 miles northeast of the state capital, Jackson.
Four injured individuals were airlifted to a hospital.
The city was busy due to a high school football game celebrating homecoming.
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione are asking a New York judge to drop some charges, including the one that could lead to the death penalty, related to the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO. They claim Mangione was not informed of his rights and argue that evidence collected without a warrant should be excluded from the trial. Mangione is accused of shooting Brian Thompson, which led to a nationwide search ending with his arrest in Pennsylvania.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione's lawyers want certain charges dropped from the federal indictment.
They argue Mangione was not read his rights before police questioned him.
His lawyers claim the police searched his backpack without a warrant.
Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare's CEO, was shot while attending an investor conference in Manhattan.
Mangione was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a tip to police.
The U.S. Attorney General had previously directed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty.
Mangione's lawyers challenge the charge associated with firearms as a crime of violence.
The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closing due to the ongoing 2025 government shutdown. The closure will start on October 12, affecting all Smithsonian sites, including its museums, research centers, and the zoo in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
The Smithsonian museums and National Zoo will close on October 12 due to the government shutdown.
This affects all 21 Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo.
Despite closures, animals at the Zoo and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute will still be cared for.
The zoo's animal cameras, considered nonessential, will be turned off during the shutdown.
The Smithsonian gets about 62% of its budget from federal funding, allowing free entry to its locations.
Prior-year funds kept the Smithsonian open for the first 11 days of the shutdown, but those funds are now used up.
Other federal entities, like national parks, are also closing as part of the shutdown.
About 4,200 federal employees face layoffs, with some already receiving notices.
Former President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation and hormone therapy for aggressive prostate cancer that was found after he left office. His cancer is notably severe, with a Gleason score indicating high aggressiveness.
Key Facts
Joe Biden is being treated for prostate cancer with radiation and hormone therapy.
He was diagnosed with the cancer after leaving the presidency.
His cancer has spread to his bone, indicating an advanced stage.
Biden's cancer received a Gleason score of 9, which means it is highly aggressive.
Biden left office in January after dropping his reelection bid.
He had surgery last month to remove skin cancer from his forehead.
A Chicago TV producer, Debbie Brockman, was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents for allegedly assaulting a federal officer. Her arrest may conflict with a recent court order that prohibits federal agents from arresting journalists without probable cause. There are no charges against Brockman, and her arrest has raised legal concerns.
Key Facts
Debbie Brockman, a producer for WGN-TV in Chicago, was arrested by U.S. border agents.
The Department of Homeland Security states she was arrested for assaulting a federal officer.
A temporary restraining order in Chicago prohibits arresting journalists unless they are suspected of committing a crime.
No charges have been filed against Brockman, according to WGN-TV.
Videos show her being detained by masked officers during an immigration operation.
The restraining order forbids federal agents from using force against journalists covering protests.
The order was issued by District Judge Sara Ellis to protect journalists from unnecessary arrests.
DHS claims Brockman threw objects at a border patrol vehicle, leading to her arrest.
A mass shooting happened in Leland, Mississippi, during a homecoming event on Friday night. Four people died, and twelve others were injured. The police are investigating, but no suspect is in custody yet.
Key Facts
A shooting occurred in Leland, Mississippi, during a high school homecoming event.
Four people were killed, and 12 others were injured in the incident.
The event took place after a homecoming football game attended by families and visitors.
Leland Mayor John Lee said the town, with about 3,700 people, is usually peaceful.
Two injured individuals were flown to a medical center for treatment.
The Leland police department is not commenting since the investigation is ongoing.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is helping with the investigation.
The U.S. has seen over 330 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Montana is set to experience heavy snowfall as a winter storm hits the state, bringing dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for difficult travel and potential power outages. High elevations could see up to 20 inches of snow, while areas like Glacier National Park are expected to be heavily impacted.
Key Facts
A winter storm warning is set for Montana from Saturday evening to Monday noon.
The storm is expected to drop up to 20 inches of snow in high elevation areas.
Driving conditions may become very dangerous or impossible, especially in Glacier National Park.
The National Weather Service warns of hypothermia and frostbite risks for those unprepared.
Potential power outages and infrastructure failures could occur due to heavy, wet snow.
Washington’s Cascades are also expecting snow, with up to 7 inches at higher elevations.
This is the first significant snowfall of the season for these regions.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a truck driver named Anmol Anmol in Oklahoma for being in the country illegally. Anmol had a New York State commercial driver's license that did not show his full name. This incident is part of President Trump's increased enforcement on immigration.
Key Facts
ICE agents arrested Anmol in Oklahoma on September 23.
He had a New York State commercial driver's license issued in April 2025.
The license showed his name as "No Name Given Anmol."
The New York DMV confirmed the license was genuine and followed federal guidelines.
Anmol entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 and was later released by the Biden administration.
ICE conducted the arrest during a joint operation with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Over 120 alleged illegal immigrants were arrested in the operation.
The case highlights issues between federal and state coordination on immigration and licensing.
Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, criticized President Trump and the GOP on social media for allowing the construction of an Air Force training facility for Qatari pilots in Idaho. She expressed her dissatisfaction by threatening not to vote in the 2026 midterm elections. The facility is part of a long-standing military partnership between the U.S. and Qatar.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer is upset about plans to build a training facility for Qatari pilots in Idaho.
The U.S. will create a facility for Qatari pilots to fly F-15 jets at an existing Air Force base.
The U.S. has had a military partnership with Qatar for a long time.
Plans for the facility in Idaho began several years ago and involved local approval.
Qatar will pay for the construction costs of the facility.
Qatar already hosts a large U.S. military base in the Middle East.
President Trump recently signed an order to defend Qatar with U.S. military support.
Loomer has made demands such as banning Muslims from political office and opposing Sharia Law.
Luigi Mangione's legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the last federal charge against him that could lead to the death penalty. Mangione is accused of murdering Brian Thompson, a UnitedHealthcare executive, but has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers argue the charges do not involve violent crimes and that evidence against him was gathered improperly.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson.
Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania on December 9, 2024, five days after the alleged murder in New York City.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.
His legal team filed to dismiss the federal charge that carries the death penalty, arguing it does not involve violent crimes.
They claim evidence was improperly gathered without a search warrant and that statements were made before Mangione was read his rights.
In September, a New York judge dismissed two terrorism charges against Mangione but upheld a second-degree murder charge.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking the death penalty and called the murder a "premeditated, cold-blooded assassination."
Four people died and at least 12 others got hurt in a shooting in Leland, Mississippi. The incident happened around midnight when people were in town for a high school event. No one has been arrested yet, and the police are still investigating.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred in Leland, Mississippi.
Four people died as a result of the shooting.
At least 12 people were injured.
The incident took place around midnight.
The shooting happened during the Leland High School homecoming event.
Four of the injured were taken to local hospitals by helicopter.
